Problem format

Directions - Reflect on the similarities and differences of the following problems and their format.

1. A candy maker wants to sell candies by the box. She thinks that 12 candies in a box would be a good way to sell them. How many different ways could the candies be packaged and what do you believe would be the best?
2. Juan has twelve cookies and shares them with three friends, how many cookies could each have if they are to all end up with the same amount?
3. Twelve divided by four is?
4. 12 / 4
5. 12 ÷ 4
6. 4|12
7. How many four foot pieces of ribbon can be cut from a twelve foot roll of ribbon?
8. How many four foot square pieces of drywall can be cut from a sheet four foot by twelve foot?
9. If Marci can carry four boxes at a time, how many trips will she have to make to move twelve boxes?
   
   

   Mind boggler:

Think about how the format and presentation of problems on a standardized test and in a textbook limit or enhance teachers' freedom and flexibility in teaching mathematics and the students' opportunity to become mathematically literate?

Think about it.